GRAND RAPIDS -- The first time Thomas Chad Clement allegedly tried to run down a cop, he missed by an inch or two. The second time, he hit his mark, according to authorities who have brought criminal charges against the man.

Clement, 23, now will face charges of felonious assault and fleeing police in Kent County Circuit Court after Grand Rapids District Judge Benjamin Logan agreed with prosecutors Monday that there was enough evidence to send the felony case to the higher court.

Grand Rapids Police Officer Gene Tobin testified he was sitting in his patrol car July 4, writing a report in the parking lot of the Family Dollar Store at 55 Leonard St. NW, when he saw a Chevy Blazer speeding down the road and take a sharp turn north onto Monroe Avenue, which was under construction at the time.

"It was obvious (the car) was going fast because the tires were squealing," Tobin said, adding the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m.

Tobin said he and his partner gave chase and found the Blazer had reached a dead-end and was heading back south. The officers parked the patrol car to block the Blazer, but the SUV went around and sped past, allowing Tobin to use his flashlight to see the driver he identified as Clement.

Tobin said the SUV barley missed him as it passed, and the officer used his flashlight to smash out one of its windows.

A few minutes later, Tobin said he heard Officer Eric Hornbacher on the radio saying he had been struck and had fired shots at a vehicle matching the description of the suspect's SUV.

Police say Hornbacher, 38, pulled over Clement's SUV along Oaklawn Street NE near Fuller Avenue. As Hornbacher walked toward the Blazer, the driver drove off, turned around in a driveway and sped toward the officer.

The Blazer ran over Hornbacher's legs and he fired two shots at the vehicle, but did not strike the driver, according to police.

Hornbacher was placed on administrative leave for a time while the incident was investigated and has been on light duty since. He is expected to fully recover and return to full duty, according to Deputy Chief James Farris.

So far, Clement has been charged in the incident allegedly involving Tobin. Prosecutors expect to bring charges in the Hornbacher case as well.